Last night I had the opportunity to drive up to Salt Lake City for a Jason Mraz concert; it was incredible. Not only does Jason write beautiful songs and perform extremely well live, but also he has a strong set of values based on positivity that I found to be compelling.
All of Jason's music is related to positive thinking in some way. One particular example that he shared stuck out to me. Growing up, he had a friend who was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Instead of complaining about the diagnosis or focusing on the negative, this friend instead adopted the mantra, "I won't worry my life away." He continued to live his life to the fullest, and is still alive and well today. This phrase became the inspiration for one of Jason's most famous songs, "The Remedy."
Since I heard this story, I have been thinking about the power of a positive attitude. No, we can't always change our circumstances or our genetic predispositions, but we do have control over our attitude. I have noticed in my own life how choosing a good attitude makes any situation bearable, no matter how dark. With this is mind, anytime this week when I find myself complaining about something, I will correct myself and instead think of two good things about the situation. I think that by training my mind in this way, I'll be able to find greater satisfaction in life and feel more able to deal with challenges.
My mom always said, "Attitude is everything; pick a good one." Will you?
I am so excited that you got to go to his concert (if not more than a little jealous too)! Although the idea that your attitude has a dramatic and direct influence over many situations is oft repeated, the principle is especially true. Maintaining a consistently positive attitude is something I am certainly working on, because I know that doing so will be greatly beneficial to all involved. Even adverse situations can be placed in a more positive light by viewing them as learning opportunities--as opportunities to grow our faith in the Lord (which is definitely important). So practicing a positive attitude, despite our current situations, can help us grow as an individual and perhaps can even "rub-off" and help someone else through their own circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI want to! You have a good plan to do so - a concrete one - noticing complaining and then saying 2 good things about the situation. I'd like to adopt that attitude, but find myself lacking motivation / reluctant to do so. Any suggestions? I guess prayer is a good one. Pray for the motivation and desire to change my attitude. I'll start there.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my post on choosing happiness.
http://seesnarr.blogspot.com/2015/03/dont-wait-to-be-happy.html